Local impact
Last year, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida served 593 children through our community-based and school-based mentoring programs. Each time Big Brothers Big Sisters pairs a child with a role model, we start something incredible: a one-to-one relationship built on trust and friendship that can blossom into a future of unlimited potential.
The most important component of our mentoring program is childhood education, and our unique brand of one-to-one mentoring makes a BIG impact with proven results. Of the children served last year who were matched 6 months or longer:
• 82% maintained or improved in math
• 85% maintained or improved in reading
• 81% maintained or improved in science
• 88% maintained or improved in school attendance
• 97% have remained crime-free
What our Littles say
Our impact on education is confirmed by those closest to it: our Littles. In 2009, we commissioned industry leader Civic Enterprises to conduct a nationwide survey of our Bigs and Littles. Of those children surveyed,
• 97% of Littles said working hard in school is very important.
• 95% of Littles said going to school and getting a good education is very important.
• 94% of Littles said graduating from college is very important.
Children who work hard, recognize the value of education and set a goal of going to college are more likely to succeed.
What our alumni say
Our impact on education is felt long after Littles graduate from high school. In 2009, Harris Interactive conducted an online survey of alumni Littles from across the nation. Among those former Littles:
• 77% said they are doing better in school because of their Big.
• 65% agreed their Big helped them reach a higher level of education that they thought possible.
• 52% agreed their Big kept them from dropping out of high school.
Children who graduate from high school, perform well in school, and achieve beyond their expectations are successful in school